The chamber had grown tense after the soldier's sudden announcement. Drake exchanged a glance with Neana, both rising almost immediately. "Come," Drake said with a rare gleam of relief in his eyes. "We should greet them."
Neana nodded, her expression calm but her stride quick. As they stepped out of the chamber, they were joined by two others already moving toward the great hall: Kang, Ethan's father and the current Vice Commander of the Grey family's forces, and Christopher, Kaelen's fellow student at Pacesetters Academy and wielder of the Crimson Blade.
The anticipation hung heavy in the air as the four advanced together. Whispers carried down the corridors as servants and guards peeked from corners, sensing the momentous return.
